Future Lynx becomes Wildcat

The aircraft that will replace the Lynx is now to be known as the Wildcat. The Wildcat programme will deliver a fleet of 62 new light helicopters for the Army and Royal Navy from 2014 and 2015 respectively

The Army variant of Wildcat will perform a range of tasks on the battlefield including reconnaissance, command and control, transportation of troops and material, and the provision of force protection. With the new Rolls-Royce CTS800-4N engines it will be significantly more powerful than the current Lynx enabling it to operate in extreme hot conditions and high altitudes.

The aircraft will have a high degree of commonality and will be able to switch between Army and Royal Navy roles, principally through the changing of role equipment. Their capability will be a significant advance on that provided in both Iraq and Afghanistan by the current Lynx fleet.

The procurement of the Rolls Royce CTS800-4N engine will also be extended to the existing Lynx Mk9; due to be refitted from 2009 to 2010. The CTS800 Mk 9 (known as the Mk9A) will provide better performance and a much improved light multi role capability in Afghanistan given the extreme environmental conditions.

The name Wildcat recalls the name given to the Grumman F4F which was widely used during the Second World War. The aircraft ceased operational service in 1945 but some flying aircraft remain, including one in the collection of the Imperial War Museum Duxford.